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Sony a7C vs Sony a6500 Comparison

In this review, we will compare the Sony A7c with the Sony A6500, both of which are Advanced Mirrorless cameras. The Sony A7c was presented on the market in September 2020, while the Sony A6500 debuted in October of the same year. In this comparison, you can see that A6500 is four years older than A7c. So let’s see if the age difference between the two cameras significantly impacts their performance.

Because both models are listed among the top in their respective categories of Advanced Mirrorless cameras, we can anticipate a tight matchup. Compared to the other cameras in this class, the Sony A7c is placed first with an overall score of 87, while the Sony A6500 is ranked eighth with a score of 77.

The Sony a7C and Sony a6500 are both Sony cameras, but they are designed for different purposes. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Image sensor: The a7C has a full-frame image sensor (24.2 megapixels), while the a6500 has an APS-C image sensor (24.2 megapixels). This means that the a7C is better suited for a broader range of photography and videography applications. At the same time, the a6500 is a more specialized camera optimized for action and sports photography.

Autofocus: Both cameras have sound autofocus systems, but the a6500 has a more advanced autofocus system that includes 425 phase-detection points, making it better suited for fast-paced action and sports photography.

Video recording: Both cameras can record 4K video, but the a7C has a more advanced video autofocus system and improved image stabilization, making it a better option for videography than the a6500.

Ergonomics: The a6500 compact design makes it more portable than traditional full-frame cameras. The a7C has a compact design that provides a good balance between portability and handling.

Price: The a6500 is generally less expensive than the a7C.

Battery life: The a7C has a longer battery life compared to the a6500, which makes it more suitable for extended shooting sessions.

Key Specifications

Sony A7c Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-09-14
  • 24MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 51200 ( expands to 50 – 204800)
  • Sony E Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Fully articulated Screen
  • 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • 120fps High-Speed Video
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 509g. 124 x 71 x 60 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Sony A6500 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2016-10-06
  • 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 25600 ( expands to 51200)
  • Sony E Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Tilting Screen
  • 2359k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 11.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • 120fps High-Speed Video
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 453g. 120 x 67 x 53 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
Sony a7C vs Sony a6500
VS
Check Price
Launched
Sep 15, 2020
VS
Oct 6, 2016
Body Type
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
VS
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Build Material
Magnesium alloy
VS
Magnesium alloy
Lens Mount
Sony E-Mount
VS
Sony E-Mount
Sensor Type
BSI-CMOS
VS
CMOS
Mega Pixels
24 megapixels
VS
24 megapixels
Processor
BIONZ X
VS
Bionz X
ISO
Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
VS
Auto, 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
Image stabilization
Sensor-shift 5-axis
VS
Sensor-shift
File format
JPEG (Exif v2.32)
Raw (Sony ARW, 14-bit)
VS
JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Raw (14-bit Sony ARW)
Focus Points
693
VS
425
Screen size
3″
VS
3″
Screen dots
921,600
VS
921,600
Touch screen
Yes
VS
Yes
Viewfinder
Electronic
VS
Electronic
Adjustable LCD
Fully articulated
VS
Tilting
Continuous Shooting
10.0 fps
VS
11.0 fps
RAW Support
Raw (Sony ARW, 14-bit)
VS
Raw (14-bit Sony ARW)
Video Record Limit
Unlimited
VS
Limited
Timelapse Recording
Yes
VS
Yes, With an optional app
Face Detection
Yes
VS
Yes
Eye Tracking Focus
Yes
VS
Yes
Selfie/Vlogger Friendly
Yes
VS
Yes
Wireless Connection
Yes
VS
Yes
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
VS
No
Built-in Flash
No
VS
Yes
External Flash
Yes (via hot shoe)
VS
Yes (via hot shoe)
Headphone Port
Yes
VS
No
Microphone Port
Yes
VS
Yes
Environmental Sealing
Yes
VS
Yes
AE Bracketing
Yes
VS
Yes
NFC Connection
Yes
VS
Yes
Smartphone Remote
Yes
VS
Yes
UHS Card Support
Yes
VS
No
Webcam Function
Yes
VS
Yes
Weight
509 g
VS
453 g 
Battery Life
740
VS
350

This comparison has concluded with the Sony A7c emerging as the clear winner. In addition to having a higher overall score, it outperforms the Sony A6500 in all but one of the criteria: portability. Although the size difference between both cameras is minor in practice, it is not a significant disadvantage for the Sony A7c in terms of use.

In conclusion, the Sony a7C and Sony a6500 are good cameras, but the choice of them depends on your specific needs. For example, if you’re looking for a versatile full-frame camera that can handle a wide range of photography and videography applications, the a7C might be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a specialized camera optimized for action and sports photography, the a6500 might be the better choice.

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